Maintenance Landscaping Design

Spiraea japonica magic carpet is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 2-3 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are oblong shaped and are dark green in color. The flowers of the plant are white and they bloom in the summer.

Popular name

• escoba amarilla
  
• amarillo limón
  
• boldo
  
• canelo
  
• boldu

Common Knowledge

• Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet' is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that typically matures to 6-9’ tall with a dense, mounded form.
  
• It is noted for its profuse early summer bloom of tiny, pink flowers which appear in flat-topped clusters (corymbs).
  
• Each flower cluster is subtended by a ring of small, ovate, dark green leaves.
  
• The flowers give way to small, ovoid, red fruit which mature in late summer and may persist into winter.
  
• 'Magic Carpet' is a selection of Spiraea japonica that was introduced into the trade by the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. in 198
  
• Its small size and dense form make it useful as a low hedge, foundation planting or groundcover.
  
• It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils, but is quite tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.
  
• It is susceptible to a number of potential problems including powdery mildew, leaf spot, stem canker and root rot.
  
• Prolonged wet periods can also cause the leaves to develop blackish-purple blotches.
  
• The flowers are appealing to bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Related plant:
Spiraea Grefsheim

How to Grow

1. For spiraea japonica magic carpet, first step is to choose the right plant. There are many different species of spiraea, so be sure to select the one that is best suited to your particular growing conditions.
   
2. Once you have chosen the right plant, the next step is to prepare the soil. Spiraea japonica prefer well-drained, sandy soils.
   
3. After the soil is prepared, the next step is to plant the spiraea. Be sure to plant at the correct depth and spacing for your particular species.
   
4. After planting, the next step is to water the newly planted Spiraea japonica magic carpet.
   
5. Once the plants are established, the next step is to fertilize them. Spiraea japonica prefer a balanced fertilizer that is applied in early spring.
   
6. The next step is to prune the spiraea japonica magic carpet. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy.
   
7. The next step is to deadhead the flowers. This will help to promote new growth and keep the plant looking tidy.
   
8. The next step is to mulch the spiraea japonica magic carpet. This will help to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
   
9. The final step is to enjoy your spiraea japonica magic carpet!

Related plant:
Spiraea Japonica

The Soil

About soil condition, Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet' prefers well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay. It is not particular about pH, and it will even grow in sandy or gravelly soils. It is also tolerant of drought once established.

About light

Not too different with other spiraea species, the spiraea japonica 'magic carpet' prefers full sun to partial shade. It will flower the heaviest in full sun, but the flowers will be fewer in number if it is grown in too much shade. It is a very adaptable plant, however, and will still thrive even if it doesn't get quite enough sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for spiraea japonica magic carpet is that it should be about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is too cold for them, they will not survive. If it is too hot, they will not thrive. They need to be in an environment that has moderate humidity and moderate light.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. The plant cannot tolerate excessive humidity and may start to drop its leaves if the level goes above 80%. If the humidity level drops below 60%, the plant may start to experience stress and may become more susceptible to pests and diseases.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. You can either use a granular fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer. The important thing is to fertilize regularly. Every two weeks is ideal, but you can also fertilize once a month. Just make sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package. As for the roots, the plant prefers well-drained soil. If the roots are too wet, they can rot. You can add some sand to the soil to improve drainage.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your spiraea japonica magic carpet healthy and looking its best. Pruning in late winter or early spring will encourage new growth and help to control the plant's size. You can prune spiraea japonica magic carpet back by up to one-third without damaging the plant.

The Propagation

Propagation is best accomplished by taking hardwood cuttings from the current year's growth in late fall or early winter. Cuttings should be 8-10 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained rooting medium. Water well and keep evenly moist. Place the cuttings under high humidity by enclosing the pot in a clear plastic bag. Cuttings should root within 6-8 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate in the spring. However, it is possible for the plant to produce new growth throughout the season if the weather is warm enough. The plant can grow to be about 3 feet tall and wide.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are black spot, powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. All of these can be controlled with fungicides. If you see any of these problems, you should treat the plant as soon as possible.

Tips on Growing

• Remember to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  
• Place the plant in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  
• Fertilize the plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune the plant in late winter or early spring.
  
• Be sure to keep the plant well watered during hot, dry weather.
  
• Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Check for pests and diseases regularly and take appropriate action if needed.
  
• Cut back the plant by one-third after blooming to encourage new growth.
  
• Divide the plant every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful blossoms of your Magic Carpet spiraea!

Similar Plants

• Carpet Star japonica
  
• Crested Carpet plants
  
• Euonymous japonica
  
• Japonica quince
  
• Japonica rice
  
• Japonica spirea
  
• Japonica sweet flag
  
• Japonicas fern
  
• Japonicas grass
  
• Japonicas plantain

Source:
Spiraea japonica 'Gold Mound' - North Carolina State University
Spiraea japonica 'Limemound' - North Carolina State University
Species: Spiraea japonica (or x bumalda) - Cornell University